In early January, I traveled to SanDiego to the 28th Annual Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA)meeting. IPSA represents all the independent seed companies in the United States. Independent seed companies represent 22.4% of the US market share and Legend Seeds is in the top five largest independent seed companies in the US. The majority of other independent companies often have 6 to 10 people on staff. Legend Seeds with nearly 100 employees! By joining our voices together all the independents are stronger and more unified.

Last year, I served as Second Vice President and this year I became the Vice President. IPSA provides us with direct access to the head decision makers at all the major suppliers of traits and germplasm. My role as Vice President of IPSA is beneficial to our dealers and customers, as it helps keep Legend Seeds at the forefront of industry changes.

One of the interesting speakers that we had the opportunity to hear presenting was Dr. Matt Roberts, who spoke on the outcome of world market economics on commodity prices. Of course, demand always drives price. But, over time different factors change. One demand factor that has leveled off in recent years is ethanol. At one time, the ethanol industry’s demand was growing annually and increasing the price of corn each year. Today, that trend has plateaued and is not a strong factor in increasing corn prices. However, Dr. Roberts still maintained a positive long term outlook on the price of corn and soybeans. Demand for corn and soybeans as feedstuffs continues to grow as many developing economies in the world move members of their country from lower class to middle class. Once arriving in the middle class with a larger disposable income people always begin transitioning from a grain-based diet (rice, beans, etc.) to a higher protein diet that includes beef, chicken, and pork.

As always, the meeting was educational and a great networking opportunity for Legend Seeds. I am happy to be representing each of our customers and dealers as Vice President of the IPSA board in the next year.